Universal portable illuminated artwork module

ABSTRACT

A compact, portable backlighted artwork display unit so flexible it may be used in conjunction with any display device of choice, introducing entirely new art forms utilizing many variabtions of PLATEN and lighting diversity that may be combined or mixed to produce artistic dimensions and displays heretofore unknown.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/211199 filed 2000, June 13.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] NON-APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to backlighted device to display artwork,specifically to a flexibly portable embodiment having a widemultiplicity of new art media applications.

[0004] An exhaustive scrutiny of prior art discloses no portableapparatus securable into any display device of choice, such as a pictureframe, simply, quickly and effectively. Prior art does not enable directapplication of an artwork onto a re-usable PLATEN coincidentally whilesaid PLATEN is mounted onto a backlighted display device. Nor does priorart support multiple new art forms as taught, enabled and encouraged bypresent invention.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0005] It is the object of present invention to enable multipleinnovative new art modes permitted by the basic universal portableilluminated artwork module and to permit such diversification easilythrough classically elementary means.

[0006] Present invention usefully combines widely diversified elementsand features unaddressed by prior art: Portability of module assemblypermits endless substitution of any display device such as a pictureframe of choice; simple and inexpensive structure; optimal diffusion oflight permitting no bright spots or shadows on the artwork; A widevariation of light sources making possible exception artwork effectsheretofore unattainable; endless substitution of platen-supportedartwork either of artwork applied directly to or overlaying the platen;simple substitution of platen artwork including work that may be acompositly-layered buildup as in a collage work; a module assembly thatis light in weight, and inexpensive to produce using several elementswidely available commercially.

SUMMARY

[0007] Present invention permits exceptional flexibility and creativityby means of a simple and inexpensive embodiment means to backlight anytranslucent planar artwork, being a completely new and unique at mediumutilizing many variations of the PLATEN itself as the artwork,encouraging talented artists to express artistic dimensions heretoforenot possible, and for which many new and innovative platens, lightingand sound effects may be controlled, mixed and/or combined to producebrilliant and delightful displays.

[0008] AN INNOVATIVE ARTIST'S DREAM!!

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION—MAIN EMBODIMENT

[0009] Present invention is compatible to embodiment in many differingmodes, and while there will be described herinafter the preferredembodiment of the invention and options thereto, there is no implicationthat there are limitations to any ramifications suggested by art taughtherein.

[0010] Referring to assembly No. 1, a system overview of preferredembodiment of present invention, it is disclosed that there are but fourprimary elements (Parts No's 10, 11, 12 and 13) comprising my universalportable illuminated artwork module (“Module”)

1) ARTWORK DISPLAY PLATEN (“PLATEN”), PART NO. 10,

[0011] Said PLATEN will sustain the artwork to be displayed and willmatch dimensions of the artwork proper, in preferred embodiment will bea clear and rigid sheet of plastic of sufficient strength and thicknessto support any artwork such as a transparency and dimensioned to fitinto and be contained within recessed front inner edge of artworkcontainer frame (“Frame”), part No. 11 said PLATEN ideally also may be asheet of glass, ceramic, metal, wood, plaster, etc., or any othermaterial answering its required dimensions and physical requirements.

[0012] Platen in preferred embodiment is secured within the face ofartwork containment frame (“Frame”), part No. 11, by means of any simplerotatable “clip” of sheet metal, plastic or any other suitable material,or may be secured by means of any of numerous devices dedicated to suchutility, such as spring clamps.

[0013] A separate artwork not depicted directly onto or into the PLATENis attached to said PLATEN by means of simple rotatable clips made ofmetal, plastic, ceramic and the like, sized to accomodate variedthicknesses of separate artwork, or by any other attachment means suchas clamps, slide latches, spring clamps or any other such devices wellknown to the art.

[0014] 2) ARTWORK CONTAINMENT FRAME (“FRAME”), PART NO. 11

[0015] In preferred embodiment frame typically retains edges of platen,and is assembled of sectionally mitered lengths of wooden moulding. Itis obvious that material used also may be plastic, metal, ceramic, glassor any organic/inorganic composition of durable and machinate character.The section of frame is modified as required for functionality relatingto thicker sheets of work to be displayed, or as required by more thanone light diffusion sheet (“Sheet”) (Part No. 12), or as required toaccomodate heavier and larger artworks, or any other causativereason(s).

[0016] In preferred embodiment frame has all inner surfaces finished ina light-reflective media such as paint, metallic paint, silvering (forclear, transparent materials), tin plating, or any other means fitted tothe task of effectively reflecting light from all inner portions offrame. This coating applies especially to inner “BEVELLED” sloping faces(See FIG. 2-B).

[0017] 3) LIGHT DIFFUSION SCREEN (“SCREEN”) PART NO. 12

[0018] In prefferred embodiment screen is dimensioned to fit into and beconfined in back surface of frame within recessed inner ledges therein,and made of any clear sheets configured to disperse widely lightemissions from any light source within module. Acrylic is preferredmaterial. Such sheets have been in use for many years on ceiling-mountedfluorescent light boxes. Said sheets are secured within back of frame,upon recessed inner ledges by means of four or more flat-head screws asrequired for service in metal, wood, plastic, etc. A plurality ofscreens may be employed if desired, in order to more thoroughly scatterlight from ventilated light box.

[0019] 4) VENTILATED LIGHT BOX (“BOX”) PART NO. 13

[0020] Preferred embodiment of box is formed of a clear, rigid,heat-tolerant plastic such as acrylic, exterior surfaces of which havebeen made light-reflective inwardly by means of silvering, metallicpaint, silver leaf, paint, or any other means of relective character.

[0021] Sides of box slope inwardly and backwardly at a twenty-degreeangle (which optionally may be altered as conditions warrant). Sides andback panel may be dished concavely outward. Top and bottom slopedsurfaces are pierced by two holes each, of approximately e,fra 3/4″diameter, for ventilation purposes, the holes being proximate to theback of the box. Additional such holes may be provided for larger unitsor for those supporting multiple light sources if such sources emitheat. Side sloped surfaces of box also are pierced by holes forinstallation of light sources, with hole diameters determined byrequirement of light sources selected. Preferred light sources areincandescent and fastened into sockets such surface mounted cleatlampholder as provided commercially by levitton MFG. Co.

[0022] Box is secured into back of frame by means of light boxattachment flanges (Part No. 18) by preferred means of 8 flat-headscrews passed through light box attachment flange screwholes. Thenpassing through edges of light diffusion screen(s) and thus into ACFproper.

[0023] 5) VENTILATION FLUES (“FLUES”)—PART No. 14

[0024] Flues are designed to inhibit exit of light from open end offlue, and in preferred embodiment are formed of dark plasticheat-tolerant formable fine mesh having openings between cross-filamentssufficiently small as to suppress exit of light. Such flues are securedto body of box by means of heat-resistant cement or adhesive.

[0025] 6) LIGHT SOURCE PART NO. 15

[0026] Light sources in preferred embodiment are conventionalincandescent bulbs, available commercially. Conventional light sourcesshown (FIG. 3-A) are coated on one entire side, covering half the “BULB”with a reflective media such as silvering, metallic paint, ceramic, orany other media tolerant of heat, with coated side reflecting light fromlight source backward and sideward without allowing viewer to bedistracted by direct light from light sources.

[0027] 7) LIGHT SOURCE SOCKET PART NO. 16

[0028] Socket in preferred embodiment is levitton MFG. Co. surfacemounted cleat lampholder, size for small-base light blubs supplying upto 125 watts of illumination.

[0029] 8) POWER CORD PART NO. 17

[0030] Commercially available power cords in preferred embodimentsupplying light sources are concealed within nipples or other suchdevices, and gathered at base of box to a single cable connected topower outlet. Holes provided for light source base are blocked by saidlight source devices so no light may exit.

[0031] 9) LIGHT BOX ATTACHMENT FLANGE PART NO. 18

[0032] In preferred embodiment flange rigidly secures box to frame asdescribed herein, and fastened by means of 8 flat-head screws (of typedetermined by service required, such as into wood, metal, plastic,ceramic, etc). Upon assembly of module, flange is placed atop edges oflight diffusion screen(s) within recessed back of artwork containmentframe, with fastening screws penetrating screen(s) into body of frame.

[0033] Part No. 19— light box attachment flange screwholes need nooperating directions, as their function is apparent.

[0034] 10) LIGHT BOX VENT HOLE (PART NO. 20)

[0035] Vent holes are placed as directed in prior description, in orderto admit cool air at bottom of box and vent warm air upward and outthrough vent holes in top of box. Such convection is well known to theart and needs no instruction.

[0036] 11) COMPRESSIBLE SPACER—PART NO. 21

[0037] Spacer is included in preferred embodiment only in event depth ofmounting ledge for artword display PLATEN within inner edge of artworkcontainment frame exceeds thickness of platen. Spacer is anyconventional compressible “PACKING” or “WEATHERSTRIPPING” of sectionmeeting measure of space to be filled, in order to allow pressure to beexerted between periphery of artwork and mounting surface of ornamental(PICTURE) Frame. Such pressure prevents light exit toward viewer.

[0038] 12) ARTWORK CLAMP—PART NO. 22

[0039] Clamp shown in preferred embodiment is simple, rotatable “CLIP”.Said clip may be obtained commerically or fabricated of sheet metal tofit.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] It is implicit that dimensions of Module elements may bein/decreased at will in order to meet size/weight requirements ofartworks as may be indicated.

[0041] A) Artwork Display Platen (“Platen”) Part No. 10

[0042] Preferred embodiment of present invention teaches employment ofModule as a “portable” artwork display unit, wholly self-contained, thatmay be fixed into any suitable artwork display frame, which universalutility marks its portability feature. Module is attached to pictureframe or any other such display device by conventional means such asblocking (with screws if needed), snap clamps, spring clamps, rotatableclamps or spring devices, or any other such simple device or techniquecurrently in use.

[0043] Module may be wall mounted, table mounted, floor mounted, easelmounted, or any other such accommodation desired. In event viewer wishesto do so, Module may be fitted with a simple skirt to conceal itsconstruction. Electrical power is fed to Module in conventional manner,from any convenient outlet, with a cord colored to satisfy.

[0044] Present invention teaches a wide array of optional choicesrelating to artwork media, artwork forms, artwork uses and artworkassembly to Platen. Majority of such options are simple derivations ofconventional, however, a few are quite technical in nature albeit simplein description and manufacture. The latter are found in descriptionsherein associative with wires or patterns thereof conductive toelectricity, the ordered display of such patterns remotely controlled,and display of a multiplicity of Platens embraced by slidablyreciprocal, alternate, successive or rotatable means. All such operationis achieved by means of devices or controls or manipulations currentlyavailable commercially. Similarly, sound may be employed within scopesand uses of innovations taught herein by inclusion of digital recordingor any other similar means into any system, to be controlled simply byhand remote control, or by emplacement of a computer element tocoordinate sound source with the graphics.

[0045] Application of options is clearly taught by present invention.For example, use of Platen as an independent artwork upon (or within)which artwork would be directly applied requires no unusual operationalskills, but introduces an art mode in use and application of media notcontemplated heretofore that would challenge any innovative artist.Laminated work (collage) described hereinbefore may be of any reasonablethickness and still easily be attachable to and displayed withinartist's decorative frame. A pattern preprinted directly upon Platen forcompletion by an amateur artist needs no further clarification, as canbe said of use of colored platens, even in multiplicity taught herein.

[0046] The inclusion within or on Platen or any appurtenances thereto offluoreseable character, colored or not, is made notable when suchinclusions are exposed to ultra-violet light generated in VentilatedLight Box, and that light source is varied in intensity by voltagecontrols, the fluorescent effects can be dramatic, indeed. Additionally,in similar teaching, light falling upon Platen, etc., from within can bedimmed/brightened simply by means of in-line rheostatic control, andfurther may be programmably timed to cause an artwork depicting a sunsetto descend from brilliance gradually into afterglow. Similar effects maybe achieved at will.

[0047] The introduction of artfully disposed fibrous elements into oronto Platen or any attachment thereto introduces still anothercompletely new art skill, with unlimited scope of expression.

[0048] The progressive techniques, methods and skills taught by presentinvention encompassing Platen use are completely new and previouslyunknown to the art. They allow unprecedented flexibility of artisticexpression and scope, and bring to the artistic community vast newopportunity.

[0049] B) ARTWORK CONTAINMENT FRAME (“Frame”) Part No. 11

[0050] Frame is a simple device designed merely to bring securelytogether the other three main elements of present invention. Itsfunction allows no true dynamics, however it is integral to the absoluterequirement of light reflection upon Platen, etc., and must besufficiently sturdy to support Module proper without deflection. Thus,sectional dimensions may be altered to support Module exposure asnecessary. Module parts are assembled in “sandwich” form, with Platenfacing Viewer and secured to Frame, the Screens then fitted into back ofFrame to be covered and held in place by Box. Nothing to it!

[0051] C) LIGHT DIFFUSION SCREEN(S) (“Screen”)—Part No. 12)

[0052] Function of Screen is to scatter, diffuse, disperse uniformly alllight directed upon it (them) from Ventilated Light Box, although suchlight will already be widely dispersed by previous effective means.Present invention employs all such means to enable display of artworksto greatest advantage and enjoyment of viewer. Teachings of presentinvention include advantages gained by employment of a multiplicity ofScreens, enabled by configuration of Artwork Containment Frame orobvious modification thereto.

[0053] In practice, Screen may be clear, white, colored orsectionally-colored or framedly focused at midportion or any otherportion or portions of Screen, to limit light transmission to section(s)of artwork as may be desirable to meet dictates of artwork. An option touse of conventional diffusion screens is employment of or development ofa screen or screens designed to focus light from the Ventilated LightBox centrally upon artwork.

[0054] D) VENTILATED LIGHT BOX (“BOX”)—Part No. 13

[0055] Subject element of Module permits wide-ranging imaginativeexcursions. Said Box in present invention is source of all lightdirected upon artwork, and thus may be fitted with a multiplicity oflight sources of various types of emanations, and may be designed todirect such light centrally or to disperse uniformly all lightemissions. Said Box may be provided with facility to embrace not onlypreferred embodiment of incandescent light bulbs, colored or not, butcan be made to accomodate fluorescent bulbs, colored or not, such ascommercially available short tubes, or “bulbs” inclusive of ballastsenclosed within their bases; infrared bulbs; neon tube light elementscolored or not, with transformers; ultraviolet bulbs; halogen and otherlight sources. Production of unusual light may be provided by means ofcoating interior of Box with medium that will fluoresce when exposed toultraviolet light.

[0056] In preferred embodiment light sources within Box ideally arecontrolled by means of an in-line dimmer control, but may be turned onor off simply by means of an in-line switch located at Module. Lightingmay be controlled by means of control programmed to conform to artworkdisplay sequential needs, and may be made to illuminate or turn off bymeans of a timer. An innovative option is to install light bulbs in theprimary colors and control their brightness individually by means ofdimmer controls (with computer control or not). Using this method,viewer may adjust light falling upon artwork to any intensity, of anycolor, of any shading (this utilization of light control would producean even more admirable sunset progression than described earlierherein—it truly would “come alive!”).

[0057] It is notable that the 20-degree slope angle cited earlier inthis description causes light emitted from light sources (masked ashereinbefore described) to impinge upon all rear and side surfaces ofBox to be mixed and diffused prior to being directed upon LightDiffusion Screen(s). Ventilation is effected by means of convectiverouting, which employs vent holes in exterior of the Box at bottom fornew air entry, and matching holes in exterior of the Box at top for airexit. Ventilation Flues (Part No. 14) covering all such vent holesdiscourage light exit that would distract viewer.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0058] 1) ARTWORK DISPLAY PLATEN (“PLATEN”) PART NO. 10

[0059] An option to prererred embodiment is employment of PLATEN itselfas an independent artwork, upon or within which is imposed artwork ofany description. A new art media is introduced hereby, in whichapplication of paints, acrylics, chalks, pencils, etc. must be modifiedin order to render necessary translucency.

[0060] A further option to the PLATEN is lamination fo two or moresheets of a translucent medium, either similar or dissimilar in: Color;in physical and light transferral properties; of same or differinggeometry and perimeteral dimensions; or, any other features compatibleto such laminating.

[0061] A further PLATEN option, as one of several related examplespossible, teaches of an PLATEN being either clear of colored andpreprinted with or otherwise defined designs for artistic direction.

[0062] A further option is PLATEN that is colored, either wholly or invaricolored sections, to provide a background for artistic mediaapplication.

[0063] A further option is the incorporation into or onto the PLATEN, ora laminated variation thereof, of a substance caused to fluoresce whenexposed to an ultra-violet or equivalent light source that is situatewithin Ventilated light box (PART No. 13), which part is describedherein later.

[0064] A furhter optional PLATEN is built upon by additional sheets. orpartial sheets of same or differing translucent materials, clored orwhite, or clear or opaque, as would be a work of stained glass, or anArtistic Collage.

[0065] A further option has all perimetral edges silvered or otherwisecoated with any paint, foil, plastic, etc., that will defeat light exitfrom such edges and will redirect such light back into PLATEN proper. Itis well known that perimetral edges of many plastics and other suchmaterials, when light is directed upon their surfaces, will dischargelight brightly.

[0066] A further option to PLATEN allows light to exit its edges into apicture frame which, if translucent at perimeter of PLATEN, will becaused to glow.

[0067] A further option is bevelling or rounding downward the perimetraledges of PLATEN to surface level of frame, which configuration willsurround the artwork with a thin “LIGHT FRAME”. Especially when PLATENis made of plastic material.

[0068] A further option to PLATEN is attachment to surface facing viewerof a narrow relector strip closely to edge of PLATEN, that will directlight outwardly onto adjacent surfaces of picture frame (which may ormay not be translucent or reflective). Said reflector strip is made ofany rigid material made reflective by means of back-coating, plating orany other effective means, has either curved or flat section such as toreflect light from surface of PLATEN laterally onto the picture frame,without exposing such light to viewer.

[0069] A further PLATEN option contains wires, threads, fibers, or anyother such filmentary means, disposed in any artful curvilinear orrectilnear or rectilinear manner fixed or loosely ordered to deliverenjoyment to viewer. Said fibrous means may or may not be colored, andmay be sandwiched between two or more sheets of laminated means. A newArtistic direction is enabled by such means.

[0070] A further option to PLATEN is inclusion onto or into any PLATEN,filaments of metallic, ceramic or any other substance conductive toelectricity. Such filamentary devices may cause PLATEN areas affectedthereby to react in color when power is directed therein, notably whenPLATEN contains elements permitting such light emanations, and/or whenpower is applied by means of controllable circuitry such as computerchips which themselves may be controlled remotely.

[0071] A further option imposes upon, into or within the PLATEN orlaminations of PLATEN, a digital clock face and/or any chart-like orgrid-like pattern, perhaps reactive to electricity, useful to commercialand/or military interests, to be varied as called for by human remotecontrol, which control may be directed by means of computer chip(s)situate on or within PLATEN or Ventilated box assembly (PART No. 13).Endless interconnections of such conductors are possible and practical,to be controlled in production of visual effects desired. Modulecontaining such PLATEN ideally would be mounted upon an easel.

[0072] A further option is reciprocal slidability to facilitatealternate or successive viewing of a multiplicity of PLATENS. Suchslidable means are well known and may be attached to front face ofartwork containment frame (PART No. 11) into which a multiplicity ofPLATENS may be fitted and alternated. A further option to suchalternate/successive slideable means is a device to rotationally placePLATENS for viewing and may be disposed in either horizontal or verticalcirculatory embodiment. Such rotational means are well known to the art,having been employed in projectors for photographic negatives, as oneexample.

[0073] A further option to any embodiment of PLATEN is introduction of acoordinated sound system to augment pleasure enjoyed by viewers ofartwork, or to facilitate instruction and descriptions derived incommercial or military uses. Such sound systems may be controlled byremote control means that also may be used for visual displays.

[0074] a further option to PLATEN is roughening of work surfaces bymeans of emery paper, sandblasting, etching, grit, or any othereffective means. Such treatment will cause art media discourage “SAG” byflowable media.

[0075] It is notable that art media applied to work face of PLATEN mayeasily be removed by means of spirits, water, rags, scraping or anyother sutiable means. Thusly, a clean workpiece is made available to theartist to re-impose desired depictions, at will.

[0076] 2) ARTWORK CONTAINMENT FRAME (“FRAME”) PART NO. 11

[0077] Optional to frame are planar suraces, at viewer face, widened toaccomodate module to ornamental viewing frame such as a picture frame inorder to fit a smaller module to a larger viewing frame said widenedsurface may be finished in such manner as to blend with (or contrast to)viewing frame surfaces proximate to face of module, perhaps to becovered by transparent or translucent sheet reactive to light or not, orby means of a coating of colored media.

[0078] A further option is multiple, interchangable frames dimensionedat front faces to accomodate PLANTENS of varying sizes and media types.

[0079] Importantly, frame may be rendered monolithic by application ofsturdy corner braces, in the event large and/or heavy impositionsrequire such benefit.

[0080] 3) LIGHT DIFFUSION SCREEN (“SCREEN”) PART NO. 12

[0081] Optional screen is produced by substitution of styrene, glass, orother effective material for preferred acrylic.

[0082] A further option is use of white or colored sheet, either whollyor sectionally treated in one or more colors.

[0083] 4) VENTILATED LIGHT BOX (“BOX”) PART NO. 13

[0084] Optionally, box is formed of sheet metal, opaque plastic,ceramic, organic or inorganic compositions, or any other material suitedto the purpose and duty, and which is coated internally with reflectivemeans such as silvering, paint, metallic paint, tin plating or any othersuitable means.

[0085] A further option is the imposition of a dimnesioned sheet torear, internal surface of box panel, fastened centrally by means of amachine screw with chrome-plated head passed through box back panel andsecured externally by means of washer and nut extending nominallyoutward to rear, in order to discourage mechanical abrasion and impactdamage to back outer surface of box.

[0086] A further option is substitution of a piano hinge for attachmentflange on one side of box, or order to facilitate service access.

[0087] A further option is insertion and jointure of separate adaptorbetween box and an assembly of other components of entire artworkdisplay means having dissimilr dimensions.

[0088] 5) VENTILATION FLUES (“FLUE”) PART NO. 14

[0089] An optional construction of Ventilation flues is use of metallicwire screen, which must be black of dark in color, and fixed to body ofbox by means of solder, cement or adhesive, or any other effectivemeans.

[0090] A further option is use of a rigid, solid material in forming offlue, interior surfaces of which are coated with a heat-tolerant blackmedia, which flue is fixed to body of box by means of any suitablesolder, weld, rivets, adhesive or cement or any other suitable bondingmeans or method.

[0091] A further option is replacement of flues at bottom of light boxwith one or more air blower(s) to force cool air into box proper.

[0092] 6) LIGHT SOURCE PART NO. 15

[0093] Optional to coating of half-length of incandescent bulbs issubstitution of rotatable relector “CAPS” such as those in wide use onnight lights, mechanics' work lights, and the like.

[0094] Optional light sources are fluorescent, ultraviolet, infrared,neon, halogen or any other light source, colored or not.

[0095] A further optional light source is provided by means of coatinginterior of box with a medium caused to fluoresce when exposed toultraviolet light.

[0096] A further option is use of light sources in the primary colors,that individually may be controlled by means of dimmer command, enablingviewer to adjust light falling upon artwork to any intensity, color orshading in order to intensify of diminish any effect desired (A sunsetscene could be made to truly “COME ALIVE”.

[0097] 7) LIGHT SOURCE SOCKET PART NO. 16

[0098] Options to preferred embodiment may be such as those supplied byANGELO BROS. Co. (“SNAP-IN SOCKET”), or many conventional small lampsockets or “Candelabra Bases” set on threaded nipples secured byexterior crossbars.

[0099] 8) POWER CORD PART NO. 17

[0100] Options to conventional power cords include inclusion of dimmerdevice controlled by timer to permit increasing or decreasing lightbrilliance of artwork displays, as programmed to viewers pleasure.

[0101] A further option is use of threaded or press-on devices at powercord connections to VLB light sources.

[0102] A further option is use of “HARNESS” composition of cable, cordsand wire connections.

[0103] 9) LIGHT BOX ATTACHMENT FLANGE PART NO. 18

[0104] An alternate is substitution of a piano hinge for flange on oneside of box.

[0105] A further option is flange secured to frame by means of clampingdevice such as spring clamp, rotatable clip, elastic compression,cinched strap, slidable or any other device effectively securing box toframe.

[0106] 10) LIGHT BOX VENT HOLE PART NO. 20

[0107] An option to simple vent hole(s) is employment of blower(s) toforce cool air into body of light box.

[0108] A further option is use of pre-cooled air forced into body oflight box at bottom.

[0109] 11) COMPRESSIBLE SPACER PART NO. 21

[0110] Optionally, spacer may be secured to front or to back edges ofADP, rather than being a separate element .

[0111] A further option is employment of one or more sheets of lightdiffusion screen to fill space between PLANTEN and mounting ledge offrame.

[0112] 12) ARTWORK CLAMP PART NO. 22

[0113] Optional devices are available commercially to hold together twoplanar elements are spring clips and clamps, compression clamps, slidelatches and the like.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

[0114] It has been demonstrated herein that present invention conveys awide array of inherent advantages not enjoyed previously by art relatingto display of backlighted artwork, while description contains manyspecifications and options, these should not be construed as limitationson scope of invention. Many additional variations are implicit andpossible.

[0115] Accordingly, scope of the invention should be determined not byembodiments made known and described herein, but by the appended claimsand their legal equivalents.

1. An artwork display means for translucent artworks, comprising a) Ashallow back-lighted means. b) A light diffusion means. c) A framemeans. d) A platen means.
 2. An artwork display means according to claim1A. a) the artwork display means of claim 1A whereby said deviceunderlies art works. b) the artwork display means of claim 1A wherebysaid device includes a shallow light box means formed of rigidheat-tolerant material. a) the light box means of claim 2B wherein saidlight box means may be formed of a clear material. b) the light boxmeans of claim 2BA wherein said light box means may be treated toreflect light inwardly. c) the light box means of claim 2B wherein saidlight box means may be formed of sheet metal. d) the light box means ofclaim 2BC wherein said light box means may be coated internally with alight reflective means. e) the light box means of claim 2B wherein saidlight box means slopes inwardly and backwardly. f) the light box meansof claim 28 wherein said light box means contains a multiplicity oflight sources. g) the light sources of claim 2BF wherein said lightsources may be dimmable. h) the light box means of claim 28 wherein saidlight box means is pierced by vent hole means at top and bottom. i) theventhole means of claim 2BH wherein said vent holes are fitted withventilation flue means to prevent light exit. j) the light box means ofclaim 2B wherein said light box means has attachment flange means. k)the light box means of claim 2BBJ wherein said attachment flange meansare fixed into back of assembly of artwork display means.
 3. An artworkdisplay means according to claim 1B. a) a light diffusion means formedof rigid translucent material. a) the light diffusion means of claim 3Awherein said light diffusion means may be in thin sheet form withsurface pattern designed to scatter light passing through said lightdiffustion means. b) the light diffusion means of claim 3A whereby saidlight diffusion means may be fixed into assembly of artwork displaymeans adjoining ventilated light box means.
 4. An artwork display meansaccording to claim 1C. a) and artwork containment frame means formed ofa rigid machineable material. a) the artwork containment frame means ofclaim 4A wherein said artwork containment means is assembled of miteredlengths of framal elements. b) the frame means of claim 4AA wherein saidartwork containment fram is formed to permit fixing thereto of othermembers of artwork display means. c) the frame means of claim 4A whereinsaid frame means has sides coated with light reflective means. 5.Artwork display means according to claim 1D. a) a planar artwork displayPLATEN means according to claim 5 formed of a translucent rigidmaterial. b) the PLATEN means of claim 5A wherein said artwork displaymeans is dimensioned to fit into front of frame means facing viewer. a)the PLATEN means of claim 5B wherein said artwork display PLATEN meansmay be of any thickness suitable for service required. b) the PLATENmeans of claim 5BA wherein said PLATEN means may be translucent, clearor colored. c) the PLATEN means of claim 5B wherein said PLATEN meansmay be of single or compositly laminated. d) the PLATEN means of claim5A wherein said PLATEN means may contain compositions differing in colorand other physical aspects. e) the PLATEN means of claim 5BC whereinsaid PLATEN means may contain any filamentary means. f) the PLATEN meansof claim 5Bc wherein said PLATEN means may have artwork imposed directlyupon or into it, itself becoming the artwork to be displayed. g) thePLATEN means of claim 5C wherein by said PLATEN means may containelements reactive to light.